CVE-2022-34793 in Recipe Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/30/2022
Jenkins Recipe Plugin 1.2 and earlier does not configure its XML parser to prevent XML external entity (XXE) attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2022
The Jenkins Recipe Plugin vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-34793 represents a critical security flaw in versions 1.2 and earlier that fails to properly configure the XML parser to prevent XML external entity attacks. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-611 weakness category, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entities, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit XML parsing mechanisms within the Jenkins ecosystem. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's handling of XML data structures, where the XML parser configuration lacks essential security controls that would normally prevent malicious entities from being processed during XML parsing operations.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from the plugin's failure to disable external entity resolution and DTD (Document Type Definition) processing within its XML parser configuration. When Jenkins processes recipe data that contains XML content, the parser inadvertently allows external entity references to be resolved, potentially enabling attackers to access local files, perform server-side request forgery attacks, or conduct denial of service operations. This misconfiguration creates an attack surface where malicious actors can craft specially crafted XML payloads that exploit the lack of proper XML parser hardening measures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the Jenkins build and deployment pipeline, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or access sensitive system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the Jenkins environment. Attackers could leverage this XXE vulnerability to read sensitive files from the Jenkins server filesystem, potentially accessing configuration files, credentials, or other confidential data stored on the system. The vulnerability also opens pathways for server-side request forgery attacks where the Jenkins server could be tricked into making unauthorized requests to internal systems, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. Additionally, the vulnerability could facilitate denial of service conditions by causing the XML parser to consume excessive system resources or enter infinite loops when processing malformed XML entities.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade the Jenkins Recipe Plugin to version 1.3 or later, where the XML parser configuration has been properly hardened to prevent XXE attacks. Organizations should also implement comprehensive security hardening measures including disabling external entity resolution, removing DTD processing capabilities, and configuring proper XML parser settings that align with industry best practices. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the upgraded plugin maintains all required functionality while eliminating the XXE attack surface. Additionally, security teams should monitor Jenkins environments for any signs of exploitation attempts and implement network-level controls to prevent unauthorized access to Jenkins servers. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper XML parser configuration as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories, emphasizing the need for robust input validation and secure coding practices in continuous integration environments.